On World NGO Day, marked on 27 February, the Ministry of Justice praised civic activism and the contribution of non-governmental organisations to reforms in the justice sector, “while encouraging less visible NGOs who are also committed to improving things in the justice system”.

The efforts of media outlets that debate and inform citizens about justice issues were also appreciated. Among the award-winning institutions is Ziarul de Gardă, with the ZdCe podcast moderated by journalist Natalia Zaharescu. Other winners in this category were Jurnal TV, with the show “Cabinetul din Umbră”, hosted by Vitalie Călugăreanu, and the public broadcaster Teleradio-Moldova, for the Radio Moldova show “Spațiul Public”, hosted by Tatiana Fișer.

In the category of NGOs contributing policies and expertise, the following were awarded:

• Institute for European Policies and Reforms
• ABA ROLI Moldova
• Institute for Penal Reforms

In the category of NGOs implementing projects to ensure access to justice and respect for human rights the following were awarded:

• Regina Pacis Foundation
• National Centre for the Prevention of Child Abuse
• Lawyers Law Center

At the opening of the “Trusted Partners of Justice” Gala, the Minister of Justice, Veronica Mihailov-Moraru, thanked civil society representatives and development partners who “have made a significant contribution to the reform of justice and to our country’s European integration path”.

“Congratulations to all non-governmental organisations, which contribute to the development of society. NGOs play a crucial role in promoting and monitoring our country’s European agenda, because the goal of integration and embracing European values is and must be a country-wide objective, shared by all of us, for which we must show solidarity and make joint efforts”, said Veronica Mihailov-Moraru.

At the “Trusted Partners of Justice” Gala, NGOs that support the Ministry of Justice, either through policies and expertise or through projects implemented with the aim of facilitating people’s access to justice and ensuring respect for human rights, were awarded.

The special award for involvement, civic activism and volunteering was given to Diana Mazniuc.

The event was organised in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). World NGO Day was established at the initiative of Mārcis Liors Skadmanis, a young philanthropist of Latvian origin, and was marked for the first time in 2014 by the United Nations, European Union leaders and international organisations. This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of this holiday.